Yes, my ears may be ringing when it’s time to get back to work on Monday.  But music really does do a heart and soul good, doesn’t it?  In Aldous Huxley’s words, “After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music. ”

Anything else in the works this weekend?

It’s been a year since our last “writers’ retreat” and we loved the place and the experience so much we couldn’t wait to try it again.  Yes, four women in a room out in the middle of nowhere may sound a little crazy — and even claustrophobic or agoraphobic, however you want to look at it.  But we truly got a lot of writing done the last time.  And snacking.  And napping.  And yakking.  But mostly writing and more writing — with no laundry, meal preps or to-do lists!   YAY!    See you when we return!  Happy weekend!

And thank you, everyone, for so many responses to the giveaway and your eagerness to participate!

The Beaded Hope story keeps growing and growing because of all of you ~ and I’ll be telling you more about that in the New Year. Plus, there will be more chances to win Beaded Hope product too.

Till then, have a safe New Year’s Eve and a blessed start to 2011!

Last weekend, Jennifer Davis and I were thrilled to speak about Beaded Hope to the Women of Faith (and their friends) at the First UCC in Sugarcreek, Ohio, about 3 1/2 hours from home.  What a warm and welcoming group of ladies — and so caring too!  Not only did we get to enjoy their company on Friday night, but also on Saturday at their “For Your Pleasure” shopping event. The entire weekend (which also included a booksigning at the Gospel Shop, a stay at the gorgeous all-decorated-for-Christmas Carlisle Inn, and some to-die-for french toast) was arranged by Pat Edgar and her friends who joined in to make our 2-day stay very special.  By late Saturday afternoon, only 26 hrs or so since we’d arrived, we found it really hard to load up the car and leave Sugarcreek.  Everyone made up feel so at home there!

Several days later — Tuesday, to be exact — Jennifer and I visited the Loveland Women’s Club. Who knew there was such a group of ladies right in our midst doing fundraising for so many causes while having some fun themselves!?  Again, we got to share the story of Beaded  Hope and the women were all so precious with their comments, thanking us for being there when it should’ve been us thanking them!  It was so much fun talking to everyone too while they did a little Christmas shopping.  I felt like one of Santa’s helpers, wrapping up beaded bracelets and necklaces and books too!

And then Friday, it was off to Kentucky for a writing retreat with two of my critique buddies, Heather Webber and Tonya Kappes! We didn’t get as much work done as planned — too much chatting and too much stopping for snacks!  Not only that, Jane Porter was in Frankfort for a booksigning and Tonya invited her to stay with us.  So we got to visit with her as well — and have dinner (and three layer chocolate cake) with a fabulous group of her reader friends too.

Nope, you don’t have to go too far to meet some very special women!   Or to tip the scale once you come home again. 

Each year the Book Festival continues to build upon its success. Organized by the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County, the University of Cincinnati Libraries, The Mercantile Library, and Joseph-Beth Booksellers, it is the joy of reading and books that brings these partners together.

This year I’ll be signing along with more than 100 regional and national authors.  Meet some of your favorite authors, purchase books and have them signed by the authors throughout the day.  They’d make perfect Christmas gifts!

Also enjoy author readings and panel discussions. Visit the K12 Kids’ Corner featuring costumed storybook characters, crafts, and other fun activities for families. There’s something for all ages.

Hope to see you there!

For more information, visit: www.booksbythebanks.org

Only thing is, I’m still not sure where August went.  But it certainly was a special, unique month for me.

I’ve never been one for public speaking (and will be happy to hear any suggestions from anyone who is!) but August brought along some opportunities to speak to a couple of ladies’ groups.  And I’m so glad my fear didn’t lead me to say ‘no’  — which is what I usually do — no to Kings Island rides, no to motorcycles, no to lots and lots of things.   Because if I would’ve said ‘no’ it would’ve been my loss for sure. I would’ve missed out on meeting some really wonderful women!

On August 15th, I was invited to speak with Jennifer Davis to the women at iMPACT Church.  Each quarter, the ladies get together for a special night of worship.  That evening, in between songs of praise Jennifer and I shared our story of how Beaded Hope — the organization and the book — came to be. The desserts were yummy and the women couldn’t have been any sweeter.  I thought I was going to be so nervous, but I instantly felt at home there.  So thank you again, ladies of iMPACT Church!  No pun intended — but you certainly made an impact on us!

Then on a Saturday morning a week later, I got to speak to another group of ladies right here in my hometown of Loveland at the Prince of Peace Church.  I didn’t sleep so well the night before, very anxious knowing I’d be flying solo — speaking by myself.  But again, there was no reason to put myself through all that!  It was a lovely couple of hours with about 20 or so women who couldn’t have been more encouraging and engaging as we talked about God, the ladies of South Africa and Beaded Hope.  It was a very special, memorable morning for me.  Plus, the cinnamon rolls made by my friend Shelley were incredible!  I’m thinking I could get put on some major l-b’s if I visit too many more groups!

After these great experience though, I’m making a note to self to say ‘yes’ way more often.  Only, being the weenie I am, there’s still no need to ask about rollercoasters or fast-moving vehicles.  Cause this girl is going to say ‘no’ every time!